Milkweed

Common milkweed is a perennial plant that is very common in the butterfly courtyard. Milkweed is native to the Pinebush. Milkweed is found in many different areas and many different forms. Some of these include Butterfly Weed, Swamp Milkweed, Mexican Butterfly Weed, Whorled Milkweed, and many more.

Identification:

You can identify milkweed by breaking one of the leaves and if the leaf produces a thick white substance then the plant is milkweed.

Warning:

The milk in the milkweed leaves is poisonous. If ingested in small quantities it will cause a stomach ache and possible stomach flu. If ingested in large quantities, you must see a doctor immediately. If contact with your eyes is made, rinse your eyes thoroughly as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in blindness.

Flowers:

Milkweed flowers in the spring, its flowers are light pink and quite numerous per plant, many butterflies enjoy drinking its nectar.

Butterflies:

The famous Monarch butterfly's host plant is milkweed. They most commonly lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves but not always. The caterpillar then eats the leaves. For more about these butterflies, click the link below.

Monarch